Disney’s Biggest 2026 D23 Theme Park News Might Not Be for Disney World or Disneyland.
The American audience is understandably more excited for announcements concerning Walt Disney World and Disneyland at the 2026 D23 Expo. However, the international parks might be what gets bombshell announcements of major new expansion, attractions, or land reimaginings. Here are our predictions, but first, a brief bit of background explaining why Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai might actually get the biggest wow-moment reveals.
The simple and straightforward explanation comes down to development timelines. Disneyland Paris just wrapped up the relaunch of Disney Adventure World, which was the final project of the last cycle. The only major project on deck is the Lion King Pride Lands, leaving the door open for something more.
It’s a similar story in Tokyo, where Fantasy Springs has been open for a couple of years and is starting to drive significant attendance at DisneySea, while Tomorrowland is on the precipice of relaunch at Tokyo Disneyland in Spring 2027. Hong Kong and Shanghai are both further along with projects than any of the domestic parks.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World and Disneyland both “shot their shot” at the last D23 Expo, revealing a slate running to at least 2030. None of the international parks have development timelines that should extend beyond 2028 (knock on wood). This year’s D23 Expo could be their chance to change that.
In other words, whereas Walt Disney World and Disneyland are mostly going to fill in details about what we already know, there’s the potential for any of the international parks to surprise us all with a bombshell. Something completely out of left field that leaves fans speechless, and no one predicted.
When it comes to this, our attention is firmly on Tokyo Disney Resort. This is for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, they’re our favorite parks on the planet, so we care more about what happens there than any of the other international parks. Second, there’s more ‘smoke’ when it comes to TDR, and it seems like the time is right for big news.
Historically, Tokyo Disney Resort has not catered to international audiences. There was a period of time when they were almost antagonistic to outsiders. The approach made sense from guest demographics perspective, as the overwhelming majority of visitors were from within Japan. That’s still the case, but it’s starting to shift.
As recently covered in Why Now Is a Golden Window to Visit Tokyo Disney for Lower Crowds & Prices, Oriental Land Company (OLC), which owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort, is on a price increase spree. OLC’s stock has struggled and the business needs to find ways to achieve growth, beyond the coming cruise ships.
The bigger shift has been in OLC recognizing the practical reality that international visitors are higher spending. They realize they have an audience of ‘whales’ who are not paying for their visits in yen, and they’ve begun repricing accordingly.
Accordingly, OLC has started being a more active participant in Disney showcases like D23. It’s a smart approach, if you ask us. Breaking the news at the Parks Panel puts it in front of every Walt Disney World and Disneyland fan, who otherwise would’ve probably missed it were the announcement made via OLC press release.
At the same time, no Japanese fans will overlook it. No fanbase is more “plugged in” than Tokyo Disney diehards. They will be watching the livestream at 11 am on Sunday, and you better believe the most viral posts on Twitter will be from Japanese fans.
This has been the trajectory for a few years, and we only expect it to accelerate in the years to come, especially since Tokyo and the American parks are on slightly divergent development cycles. Fantasy Springs was a big area of emphasis two Expos ago, and now Space Mountain: Earthrise is poised to be the biggest reveal of the 2027 openings.
It’s nevertheless noteworthy because this did not used to be the case that TDR had a presence at domestic events. Longtime fans will recall a time when Disney practically pretended the Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea didn’t exist, not wanting to shine a spotlight on what fans might perceive as the superior parks.
That has changed for a few reasons, a couple of which are interesting from an ‘inside baseball’ perspective, but are beyond the scope of this post. The important thing is that Disney and OLC are on the same page, and we expect more news for Tokyo Disney Resort at the 2026 D23 Expo and going forward.
Anyway, on with the international park predictions for the 2026 D23 Expo…
Port Discovery Expansion
OLC has already announced that Aquatopia at Tokyo DisneySea will permanently close on September 14, 2026. What they have not announced is literally anything else. The announcement was buried in a press release about Summer Cool-Off at Tokyo Disney Resort back in April. It’s been radio silence since then.
However, the announcement itself didn’t come out of left field. One year earlier, OLC unveiled concept art for future expansions in both parks. That included a replacement for Aquatopia and expansion of Port Discovery at Tokyo DisneySea. This reveal came via OLC’s 2035 Long-Term Management Strategy, released to investors last April.
We fully expect a replacement for Aquatopia to be announced at the 2026 D23 Expo. Tokyo DisneySea badly needs capacity, and starting on this ASAP should be a top priority. The timing lines up pretty perfectly on this one.
Big Band Beat Replacement
Big Band Beat: A Special Treat ended its farewell run at Tokyo DisneySea’s Broadway Music Theatre last September. OLC still has not yet announced a permanent replacement show for the venue, although there have been leaks on social media suggesting something is in development. It’s also widely assumed that, whatever it is, it’ll debut after the 25th Anniversary ends in Spring 2027.
That also makes the 2026 D23 Expo the perfect opportunity to showcase this. At least, timing-wise. My reticence to make this a full-throated prediction is that international stage shows are fairly niche, so this might be deemed too “small potatoes” by Disney to make the D23 Expo cut.
On the other hand, if the new show features a wow-moment (and test footage that has appeared on Japanese DisTwitter suggests it does), perhaps that could be featured in a quick hits segment for the international parks. The last D23 Expo had a brief musical montage that was very announcement-dense, and a reprise of that is a good opportunity to make the presentation feel meatier.
I’d likewise love a Mermaid Lagoon Theater announcement, but am not holding my breath on that. However, it’s possible that there’s a ‘quick hits’ entertainment segment just for Japan, as there’s likely to be several shows and spectaculars debuting in 2027-2028.
Tomorrowland Overhaul
OLC has announced two “reimagined” rides for Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland, the total investment into which is over $700 million. The first of these is a Wreck-It Ralph indoor interactive game play experience, which replaces the popular Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters attraction.
In the upcoming Wreck-It Ralph attraction, enter the candy-themed racing game Sugar Rush, which is being attacked by Sugar Bugs created by King Candy. Guests team up with Ralph and Vanellope to transform the Sugar Bugs back to their original “kawaii” confectionery. This new Wreck-It Ralph attraction is expected to open in April 2027 at a cost of $200 million. That’s all that’s officially known about the ride, but if it costs that much, it’s gotta be impressive.
The second is Space Mountain: Earthrise, which will also entail an expanded plaza that will create a reimagined area of Tomorrowland. The new Space Mountain that will maintain its original concept as an indoor roller coaster, but will have enhanced performance and immersive special effects that will give guests even more thrills on this exciting rocket ride.
The new Space Mountain is expected to be similar to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, albeit with a different ride system and minus Marvel. Meaning it’ll be a ‘story coaster’ with a large gravity building–very different from the legacy Space Mountain rides. The new Space Mountain: Earthrise is also expected to open in Spring 2027 at a cost of $500 million, making it the most expensive Disney attraction ever (for now).
We expect big reveals for both Wreck-It Ralph and Space Mountain, potentially as part of a ‘Around the World of Tomorrow’ segment of the Parks Panel. Expected details include official attraction names for both, new concept art, and maybe even actual footage from inside both. Plus, our not-so-bold opening date prediction: April 15, 2027.
New Land at Tokyo Disneyland
Per tradition, the aftermath of the 2026 D23 Expo will feature an “other shoe” dropping moment similar to when it was revealed that Cars Land would replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom. Except this one probably won’t matter as much to most of you, but will be a ‘battle’ fought far harder by Japanese fans.
As part of that same 2035 medium term plan mentioned above, OLC revealed to investors a plan to provide experiences “that cannot be found anywhere else in the world through development unique to Tokyo Disney Resort.” This will be accomplished via the “dynamic restructuring of our theme park sites including possible large-scale development such as area-wide redesign.”
In plain language, this means that OLC plans to redevelop the areas of Tokyo Disneyland that were liberally cloned from Magic Kingdom and Disneyland with original attractions. That’s actually nothing new. It’s been their public plan since 2016, and we’ve already seen it in action over in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.
The concept art (above) accompanying that was this Adventureland amalgamation that would add an Incredibles roller coaster, Paradise Falls Up-themed attraction, and Moana boats. This proposal appears to show the removal of Swiss Family Treehouse, Jungle Cruise, Western River Railroad, and Enchanted Tiki Room with Stitch.
Frankly, I put zero stock in the substance of that concept art. This is best considered along the same lines as the circa-2022 D23 Expo blue sky daydreaming session. At the same time, I fully believe a few things: 1) Absolutely nothing from circa 1983 TDL is safe, especially anything with a large footprint; 2) Nothing unoriginal is safe (reimagining the newer and more popular Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is indicative of that); and 3) That whole side of the park will be unrecognizable from today at some point in my lifetime. All of it will eventually be gone.
With the Tomorrowland project wrapping up, a large-scale redevelopment of Adventureland or Westernland (or both!) could be a splashy D23 Expo announcement. It’d be the kind of thing that gets Americans excited, especially since they’d probably care less about the specifics of what’s being lost, and would focus only on the original additions that would put TDR on the map for more of them.
Discoveryland Updates
If there is an ‘Around the World of Tomorrow’ segment of the Parks Panel, an obvious candidate to get some love is Disneyland Paris. Then again, fans have been saying that for how many decades?! (Insert obligatory drowning kid + skeleton underwater meme.)
There are any number of placemaking projects or ‘singles & doubles’ style reimaginings that could reinvigorate this corner of the park. One thing is obvious based on the recent flop of the film: Mandalorian and Baby Yoda probably are not getting their once-rumored ride. In fact, I’d bet against an expansion of anything Star Wars at Disneyland Paris.
I would also bet against a brand-new attraction, but really hope to be wrong about that. After all, that castle park has to get something eventually…right?! Much like a reimagining of Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT, we’re in broken clock territory where this prediction feels like it should be on the safer side just based on the passage of time. And yet, I feel like Disney Adventure World still needs the attention more, and that Disneyland Paris would be fine with smaller scale stuff.
The lowest of hanging fruit would be ending the “temporary” Hyperspace Mountain overlay and restoring the original Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune (“From the Earth to the Moon”) version from 1995. At some point, it’s just cruel to not throw the French fans a bone, and this would do exactly that.
Lion King Ride Reveal
At the last D23 Expo, Disneyland Paris unveiled the upcoming creation of an all-new area at Disney Adventure World dedicated to one of the most beloved Disney franchises, around the world and particularly in Europe: The Lion King!
This first-ever Lion King themed area will feature character greetings, themed dining, and shopping opportunities, along with a marquee water flume ride. This Splash Mountain-style attraction will plunge guests beneath Pride Rock to follow Simba on his journey from cub to king, in a retelling of the story from the classic animated feature film.
Our expectation is a lot more concept art for the attraction and area, footage of envelope-pushing Audio Animatronics, and more. I’d bet against an opening season or even year, especially since it’s likely 2028.
On the topic of Disney Adventure World, something about the Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings attraction is also possible. This ’flying chair carousel’ ride will open in 2027, so it’d make sense to show something about it. On the other hand, it’s just a dressed-up amusement park ride, so I wouldn’t expect too much hyping it up. Should be a quick hit.
It wouldn’t completely surprise me to see another ‘themed area’ announced for Disney Adventure World, but I’ll nevertheless bet against that here. There was a minor tease of Pandora late last year, but I really doubt that’s it at this point. I’ll be mildly surprised if Disney builds one more Avatar experience, nevermind two.
Something Shanghai
Everyone thinks this is going to be the year for Shanghai Disneyland’s second gate. That includes us. Or rather, included us. Given that it didn’t happen at the gala 10th Anniversary celebration, we’re no longer quite so sure.
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about OLC and Disney’s relationship and the unique landscape of Japan. I won’t pretend to have the same insight when it comes to Shanghai Shendi Group. I’m clueless on China. I do know that the Chinese consumer is struggling, and there’s a spending slowdown that’s been a drag on the economy–and Disney Parks segment. That could be an obstacle to greenlighting a second gate.
More to the point when it comes to D23, I also know that Shanghai Disney Resort announcements are made on the Shendi Group’s terms, which is a state-owned enterprise. Given the nature of the beast, Shendi will want Shanghai announcements made in ways and venues that serve their interests.
That may or may not include publicizing the popularity of the park to American audiences. I’m not sure. But the point is, Disney isn’t the one calling the shots with these announcements, making them tougher to predict.
Abu Dhabi Assurances
It’s a very similar story with Disneyland Abu Dhabi, both in terms of my knowledge (or lack thereof) and who is calling the shots. With this one, it’s a near-certainty that Disney and Miral Group have specific contract terms governing/mandating mentions of the park.
The other big difference is that we know Miral Group and the United Arab Emirates and whoever else is a stakeholder outside of Disney want this project publicized to an international audience. That’s the whole point! That’s why Disney is (presumably) being paid the big bucks, instead of the UAE sovereign wealth funds picking Six Flags or whatever. The reputation and prestige of Disney is important, and they will want that spotlighted whenever and wherever possible, especially since this park won’t be profitable for a long, long time.
It also won’t open for a long, long time. It’s a near-certainty that Disneyland Abu Dhabi was announced as soon as the ink was dry on the contract, and Imagineers hadn’t even been assigned to the project. A year-plus later, they probably have some ideas, as does Miral. I would expect some of those to be showcased without getting too into the weeds.
This is basically (yet another) chance to remind fans that this project is actually happening as of right now (which is not the same as it definitely happening). Maybe we get 2-3 pieces of slightly less abstract concept art; perhaps even one or two specific attractions called out. I doubt we’ll see too much, as the idea of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is probably more tantalizing to fans than the reality of an almost entirely indoor castle park.
Previously, we predicted that Disneyland Abu Dhabi would open in November 2033. With a broader range of sometime “between March 2032 and December 2036 (barring no global economic crises between now and then).” That was before the whole conflict in Iran thing, which qualifies as at least a “minor economic occurrence.”
Even then, my gut was that Disneyland Abu Dhabi is more likely to be at the later end of that spectrum than the earlier side. That means we still have 3 more D23 Expos before this park opens. I’d expect the big reveal at the 2030 one.
More Marvel
There are Marvel attractions being built at both Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland. It is safe to say we will hear more about these. There will presumably be a Marvel portfolio segment that discusses these and Avengers Campus at DCA. Personally, I hope this is as brief as possible and nothing additional Marvel stuff is announced. Our daughter, a newly-minted MCU superfan, seemingly disagrees.
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Your Thoughts
Care to make it interesting by placing your own predictions about what will be announced at the 2026 D23 Expo? Do you think it will be a time for big attraction announcements for the international parks, or will mostly focus on details about projects that are already underway? Any surprise announcement predictions? We’ll revisit this post in a week or so and whoever got the most right will win…bragging rights!
